Cold Blooded

by Anne Patrick

  "What are you doing?" Kris asked.

  "While I was interviewing him, I realized I hadn't identified myself so we can't charge him for resisting arrest." Leaning down to un-cuff his wrists, she whispered in his right ear, avoiding the camera, "Play along or you're going back to the pen." She then pressed the card into his hand.

  "Are you sure?" Kris asked. "I thought—"

  "What can I say? I screwed up." Gwen placed her cuffs back in their case. "Don't rub it in. I feel bad enough as it is." She motioned for him to get up from the chair.

  Stuart shot her a puzzled look then walked to the door.

  Kris slammed her hand up against it before he could open it. "Don't think we won't be watching you."

  "I didn't do anything." He looked at Kris.

  Kris moved her hand and he opened the door then closed it behind him.

  "I believe him." Gwen sat on the table and popped the tab on her diet soda. "I don't think he would've been stupid enough to show his face on the surveillance camera only minutes before robbing the place."

  "He still resisted arrest."

  "True, but it's better to let him go now than to go to court and have his lawyer get the charge dropped." Gwen shoved off the table, shrugging her shoulder. "I'll type up the report if you want to go grab us something for lunch."

  "Yeah, okay. Pastrami on rye, easy on the mayo?"

  "Perfect."

  Gwen grabbed the file from the table and started out the door. Lieutenant McKean met her in the hall. She noticed the adjoining door was just closing. It was their control room where the monitoring of all the audio and video from the three interrogation rooms took place. He'd been watching.

  She braced herself for another reprimand.

  "I trust you won't make that mistake again."

  "No, sir."

  "Okay." He started toward the elevator.

  "That's it?"

  He turned. "Unless you have something further to discuss."

  "Nope."

  *****

  Gwen entered the empty squad room and sat at her desk. Guilt stabbed at her for lying to her friends and boss, but overall she felt good about what she had done. Midway through her report, the phone rang. "Detectives Unit. Jamison speaking."

  "This is Stuart Adkins. I just wanted to call and say thank you. I also wanted to apologize for making you run after me. Great tackle by the way."

  "Stuart, I don't do this very often so don't make me regret it. Stay away from your old lady; stay off the drugs and out of trouble."

  "I will. You've got my word on that. No more liquor stores either."

  Gwen smiled at his promise and hoped he was able to keep it. "That number on the card I gave you is a good friend of mine. He'll help you out. Get you some work clothes and give you a place to stay until you can afford something on your own. You do him wrong though and I swear, I'll hunt you down and—"

  "I won't. I really appreciate all this. You're a good woman."

  "Just don't tell anyone. You'll ruin my reputation." Gwen hung up and got back to work on her report. She would probably get written up over it but it wouldn't be the first time.

  Thirty minutes later, Gwen heard the doors of the squad room open. She finished typing the last paragraph and hit print on the computer.

  "I hope you're done." Kris set a rainbow colored party hat on Gwen's keyboard.

  "What is this? I thought you were going for sandwiches."

  "I did. They're in the cafeteria."

  "Why there? Why not our break room?"

  "Because that isn't where the cake is." Detective Ron Chavez came and stood next to Kris. He handed Gwen the printed out copy of the arrest report. "The whole gang is waiting to help you celebrate your birthday. Then later tonight, it's pizza and drinks at Rafferty's."

  "Guys," she moaned. The last thing she wanted to do was make a big deal out of her thirtieth birthday. "I've got a nice, quiet, evening at home all planned out. Just me and Lizzie with Chinese take-out and a pint of rocky road ice cream for dessert."

  "Think again, birthday girl." Ron pulled Gwen from the chair.

  "I'm serious. I really don't—"

  "Come on, Gwen. Jake and Nick have been planning this for weeks. Jake has even volunteered to be the designated driver this evening, and Eric is watching the kids."

  Gwen considered their proposal. She often joined the guys at their usual after-work hangout but Kris hardly ever did.

  "We all promise not to tell anyone how old you are." Ron took the hat and placed it on her head, snapping the elastic against her chin.

  "Fine, but no alcohol tonight. The last time we all partied at Rafferty's, Nick went for a swim in the fountain in front of the court house."

  Kris laughed. "I won't let anyone do anything stupid."

  *****

  Gwen entered the cafeteria and everyone in the room began to sing "Happy Birthday". Her breath caught and her cheeks flamed. The whole room was decorated in her favorite colors of purple and yellow, from the balloons and streamers to the tablecloths. They had celebrated each other's birthdays before but nothing like this.

  "When Ron said the gang, I didn't expect the whole department."

  "Only about half. And it was all Jake and Nick's doing, I swear." Kris ushered her to a table in the middle of the room, where Nick stood with a grin plastered firmly on his face.

  He stepped to one side to reveal a blue cake in the form of a busty woman wearing a gold shield. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GWEN was written on the bottom portion.

  Gwen smiled at him. "You kind of exaggerated a little, didn't you, Nick?"

  Everyone laughed.

  Gwen hugged him. "You really shouldn't have. This is too much."

  "It was just as much Jake's idea." He pulled out a chair for her at the end of the table and she sat down. "Besides, you only turn thirty once."

  "Okay, enough of that. I don't need to be reminded of how old I am."

  Nick, five years older than her, hugged her again; whispering in her ear, "Just don't expect a present from us. This is it."

  "It's the best one I've ever gotten."

  Presents did appear, everything from gift certificates to trinkets for her desk or home. The lengths her co-workers had gone to help her celebrate overwhelmed Gwen. Growing up, she never had a birthday party and usually just spent the yearly occasion with friends.

  Kris slid an envelope toward Gwen, along with her sandwich.

  She smiled at her partner. "I told you not to get me anything."

  "Just shut up and open it."

  Gwen did. It was a gift certificate for a day spa in Phoenix. The package included a massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure. Gwen was speechless. She knew Kris's husband, a mechanic, had been struggling lately, after taking over his father's business, and they probably couldn't afford such an extravagant gift.

  "The garage is doing better than it has in months."

  "That's great, Kris but—"

  "It was Eric's idea. He's treating us both. All you have to do is pick a day."

  "Thank you, Kris. And be sure to thank Eric." Gwen gave her a hug. She felt even worse now for lying to her earlier. "Listen, there's something I need to tell you."

  "You mean that you lied to me earlier." Kris pursed her lips together. "I know you too well to believe you'd screw up like that. I just can't believe you bought his sob story. Yes, he told me the same thing he told you."

  "He wasn't lying, Kris. The phone calls I made were to his employer and parole officer. He's a good kid. He's trying to get his life back together."

  "Sometimes, you really surprise me."

  "I surprise myself sometimes."

  Halfway through her sandwich, Nick offered her a slice of cake. She was about to take a bite when a late arrival came through the door. You've gotta be kidding me.

  Captain Frank Bradley stood in the doorway. He smiled at her as he waved to everyone. She stood, as did most everyone else. Gwen knew better than to make anything of his appearance. She had bee
n a thorn in his side since becoming a detective five years ago. During that time they had butted heads almost as often as she and her former lieutenant had.

  "I'm afraid I can't stay, Detective. I just wanted to drop in and wish you a happy birthday."

  "Thank you, sir. I appreciate it." Even if he did just make an appearance for good public relations. Gwen wondered where Lieutenant McKean was.

  Captain Bradley glanced at the cake a few inches from Gwen's plate and chuckled.

  Gwen's cheeks warmed.

  He looked at Nick who stood next to her. "I'm guessing you placed the order for the cake."

  Nick grinned as he shrugged.

  Captain Bradley put his hand on her shoulder. "Happy birthday, Jamison."

  Once he'd left, she sank into her chair.

  "Well aren't you special," CSI Shawn Cooper teased from the next table.

  Gwen hadn't noticed her handsome ex-boyfriend slip in. "Hey, Coop."

  The tall blond tossed her a generous smile. "Happy birthday, Gwen."

  Gwen had often kicked herself for calling it quits between them. Since her divorce, Coop had been the only man in her life. "Thank you. It's good to see you." Since he usually worked the graveyard shift, she hadn't seen him since their breakup.

  He reached over and took the hand of the woman seated next to him. She was wearing blue scrubs and, according to the badge hanging from the pocket, worked at Shorewick Memorial Hospital. "Angie, this is Gwen. Our birthday girl."

  The beautiful redhead smiled at Gwen. "Happy birthday, Gwen."

  "Thanks." Gwen did her best not to sound bitter. She had no right to be. She was the one who dumped him after a year and a half of dating. Up until now she hadn't regretted that decision.

  Angie placed her arm around Coop. "Sweetheart, I better go. My shift starts in half an hour."

  Gwen felt nauseous.

  "Okay. I'll walk you out." Coop gathered their paper plates and cups and deposited them in a nearby trash bin. He glanced back. "See you later, Gwen."

  "He sure moved on quick," Kris commented, watching them leave.

  "Yeah he did." Gwen sighed, mentally kicking herself once again. Just when she thought this day couldn't get any worse.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Ian sat at the bar nursing his second cup of coffee. He normally didn't hang out in clubs but his landlord had told him Rafferty's Bar & Grill had the best cheeseburgers in the city, and that it was a favorite with local law enforcement. Cops always knew the best places to eat.

  Ian was about to call it a night when a woman's laughter drew his attention to the mirror behind the bar. A group of three men and two women entered, wearing party hats. He recognized the women and two of the men as the detectives now under his supervision. Ian had missed their earlier celebration because of his appointment with his landlord. He considered going over to extend his well wishes but decided to wait until he was on his way out. No use spoiling their fun just yet.

  Overall, his first day on the job turned out to be better than he had expected. Captain Bradley had warned him, at their meeting this morning, that Detective Jamison could be a handful. He even went as far as comparing her to a Pit Bull dog on steroids when a case got under her skin. She also, according to the captain, had a chip on her shoulder the size of Mount Rushmore when it came to authority figures. The result of that tenacity was several commendations and the highest closure rate in the unit. In other words, Detective Gwen Jamison was a lot like him when he was younger.

  "Bring us a pitcher, Frank," Detective Nick Harris hollered. "And tea for the ladies. Gwen here turned thirty today and we're gonna help her celebrate."

  "Shuush." The birthday girl punched his bicep. "Nick, you promised no alcohol." She then removed her hat and bound her shoulder-length locks of dark blond hair in a ponytail.

  "Hey, I've got a designated driver. Besides, we're supposed to be celebrating."

  "Well, you don't need alcohol to have a good time," Detective Jamison argued.

  The youngest of the group came around the table and offered his hand to Detective Jamison. "Can I get a dance with the birthday girl?"

  "You step on my feet, Jake, and I'll slug you too." She stood just as the bartender delivered their drinks.

  "This round is on me, guys. Happy birthday, Gwen."

  "Thank you, Frank." Gwen gave him a hug. Standing at least five-ten she had a good two inches on the bartender, as well as the young man beside her.

  Ian watched in the mirror as the couple began to dance. It reminded him of happier times in his life. Simpler times. By leaving Phoenix and all the bad memories behind, he hoped to start a new life here. He had a feeling it wasn't going to be that easy though. Running from your past never is.

  The bartender came over and refilled Ian's coffee. "Can I interest you in a piece of pie?"

  Ian considered passing on his offer. He hadn't been to a gym in weeks and knew sooner or later all the eating out he'd been doing was going to catch up to him.

  "Marge makes the best coconut cream pie in the state."

  "You talked me into it, Frank." He'd start getting back into shape next week.

  Frank disappeared into the kitchen and Ian glanced up at the mirror again.

  When the song ended, the couple returned to the table. Ian continued to watch the group as he ate his pie. They all seemed like good friends, not just co-workers. He liked that. It made for good morale. He hoped he'd one day be considered a friend among them. like he was with his former co-workers. As their commanding officer they had always respected him, but they also knew they could always come to him with a problem. It was a fine line to tow sometimes but one he had always strived for.

  As the night wore on, Ian considered leaving. He still had a lot of unpacking to do and wanted to finish this weekend.

  "Ha! Put your money where your mouth is." Gwen stood and walked over to a pole positioned a few feet from their table.

  "All the way to the top and back down in one minute," Nick yelled.

  "I heard you the first time." Gwen jumped up; grabbing the pole with both hands and crisscrossed her legs around it.

  Ian turned in his stool for a better view. Up until now, the table had been relatively quiet, aside from laughter, and only one pitcher of beer had been consumed.

  The men at the table began to count as she shimmied up the bar. Detective Kris Todd laughed and shook her head. By the time the men had reached thirty-eight Gwen was already inches from the top. Once there, she lifted one hand and touched the ceiling. She then slid down the bar and both feet hit the floor at the count of forty-six.

  "Holy Mackerel!" Detective Ron Chavez let out a loud whistle.

  Her co-workers, and patrons sitting around them, erupted in applause.

  Gwen took a bow before walking to the table. "Your turn, Nick."

  He scratched his chin as he looked up the bar.

  She mocked him with the sound of a chicken.

  Nick strutted past her and grabbed hold of the bar. As he climbed, the group counted. Midway up he began to struggle a little. Gwen counted louder.

  Ian chuckled. No way was the guy going to make it in the time frame.

  Two feet from the top, the man gave up and slid back to the floor. "I could have done it if I wasn't drinking."

  "Yeah, yeah." Gwen held out her palm. "Hand over the dough."

  Nick picked up a wad of cash from the table and handed it to her.

  "Easiest fifty bucks I ever made," she taunted as she shoved the bills into her back pocket.

  Ian chuckled as he met the amused expression of the bartender.

  "Only a fool would've gone for that bet. The woman's a rock climber."

  Ian wasn't surprised. It took great upper body strength to climb a pole that quickly.

  A few minutes later, a dark haired man, who had been seated two tables over, approached Gwen as she still stood at the end of the table. The guy leaned over and whispered something in her ear.

  She immediately grabbed the
mug of beer from his hand and doused him with it.

  Ian choked back a laugh as the man stomped off toward the door. Every one at the table cheered her again.

  Yep. She was definitely going to make his life interesting.

  "You ready for another refill?" Frank asked.

  Ian nodded. No way was he leaving now. "Where's your restroom, Frank?"

  "Around the corner to your left."

  *****

  "You're freakishly strong for a woman. What'd you lift weights or something?" Ron asked.

  "That and my gym has a rock climbing wall," Gwen answered. "It's fun and it keeps you in great shape." Still, it was a wonder she hadn't fallen and made a complete fool of herself. It wasn't until after the stunt she realized their new boss was sitting at the bar.

  "You might have told me that before you accepted my dare," Nick said.

  Jake joined Gwen and Kris in laughter.

  Nick turned to Jake. "You knew?"

  "Why do you think I didn't get in on the bet?"

  "You little runt." Nick looked back at Gwen. "You're buying me a pitcher of beer."

  "No, but I will buy you a cup of coffee. Am I the only one who noticed our new lieutenant sitting at the bar?"

  "What? Really?" Nick jerked his head around toward the bar.

  "He's in the restroom now. I suggest you drink coffee or tea from here on out." While most everyone in here was a cop, they all knew public intoxication was grounds for dismissal from the force. And no doubt, their new boss had taken it upon himself to be their babysitter.

  Nick grinned at her. "So how'd it go between you and the lieutenant this morning?"

  "Like two dogs marking their territory," Kris injected.

  Gwen sneered at her friend.

  Ron laughed. "I don't know, as first impressions go, I kinda like the guy."

  "You like everyone, Ron." Gwen took a swig of her tea as she glanced across the table at him. She noticed the lieutenant had returned and was looking their way. With barely a smile of acknowledgement, he turned on his stool. He continued to watch them in the mirror though.

  "I think we should invite him over," Ron suggested.

  "Yeah, go ask if he wants to have a beer with us."